Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. – Romans 12:16
What kind of impact can a 4’11”, 82-pound, 17-year-old girl have on the world?
When you’re talking about gymnast Olga Korbut, the answer is a transcendent impact.
She became an international superstar at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, winning three gold medals and a silver as a member of the Soviet team. She won another gold and silver at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Korbut redefined women’s gymnastics “excellence” with her death-defying routines on the uneven bars and balance beam. Her talent and charisma captivated audiences.
But there’s an Olympic champion every four years. What made Olga Korbut special? Her kindness. Her smile.
In 1972, relations between the Soviet Union and United States were tense during the Cold War.
Following the Munich Games, Korbut and her Soviet team went to the White House to meet President Nixon. You can see a clip of that visit on YouTube.
As Nixon is making a joke about gymnasts and politicians both trying to land on their feet, there’s Korbut by his side, looking up at him and smiling. It wasn’t a nervous political obligation on her part. It was real. Her smile was infectious. The bows in her pigtails were adorable. She exuded friendliness and also had a sense of humor.
“You’re so tiny,” Nixon said to her. “You’re so big,” Olga replied. He absolutely loved it.
As one writer put it, “The Iron Curtain parted just a bit” because of her. Korbut made millions of Americans realize the Communist country they feared was also home to good, kind people – just like us.
Later, Korbut said of Nixon, “He told me that my performance in Munich did more for reducing the political tension during the Cold War between our two countries than the embassies were able to do in five years.”
Wow.
Yes, champions are adored around the world. But trophies fade. Games are forgotten. Only kindness changes hearts and endures forever.
Ed Doney
